The Kobe Storks defeated the Chiba Jets 94-86 in B1 League action on Thursday, October 8, 2026, at Kobe Arena. The home victory was built on a balanced offensive attack and timely defensive stops, allowing the Storks to protect their home court and hand the Jets an early-season road loss.

Match Overview

The game began at 6:05 PM local time and featured two teams with contrasting styles. The Kobe Storks relied on ball movement and perimeter shooting, while the Chiba Jets leaned on their star guard play and inside presence. The final score of 94-86 reflects a contest that was close through three quarters before Kobe pulled away in the final minutes. The Storks never trailed after the first quarter, leading 24-22 after one, 46-42 at halftime, and 72-66 heading into the fourth.

Key Moments

Kobe set the tone early with a 24-22 first quarter, using a 10-2 run midway through the period to take control. The Jets answered in the second quarter behind Yuki Togashi's three-point shooting, but Kobe maintained a 46-42 halftime lead. In the third quarter, the Storks extended their advantage to 72-66 with a 26-24 effort, capitalizing on Chiba's turnovers. The fourth quarter saw the Jets cut the deficit to four points with three minutes remaining, but Kobe responded with a clutch three-pointer and two free throws to seal the 94-86 win.

Tactical Story

The Kobe Storks excelled at ball movement, recording 24 assists on 34 made field goals. Their three-point shooting was a key differentiator, as they hit 12 of 28 attempts (42.9%) compared to Chiba's 8 of 26 (30.8%). Defensively, Kobe limited the Jets' transition opportunities and forced 15 turnovers, converting them into 18 points. Chiba's offense often stalled in the half-court, relying heavily on isolation plays. The Jets' big men struggled against Kobe's active help defense, and their bench was outscored 28-16.

Standout Players

• Tatsuya Suzuki (Kobe Storks): 24 points, 6 assists, 4 rebounds — led all scorers and controlled the pace.
• Shota Watanabe (Kobe Storks): 20 points, 8 rebounds, 3 steals — provided energy on both ends.
• Yuki Togashi (Chiba Jets): 22 points, 7 assists — kept the Jets close with deep range and playmaking.
• Gavin Edwards (Chiba Jets): 18 points, 10 rebounds, 2 blocks — a double-double in a losing effort.

Season Impact

The win lifts the Kobe Storks to 2-1 on the season, while the Chiba Jets fall to 1-2. Kobe's early form suggests they could be a playoff contender in the B1 League, especially if their bench continues to contribute. For Chiba, the loss highlights the need to improve perimeter defense and reduce turnovers. The two teams will meet again later in the season, and this result could be an important head-to-head tiebreaker. Up next, the Storks visit the Ryukyu Golden Kings, while the Jets return home to face the Alvark Tokyo.